Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to two structure fires this morning.
Banning Street Fire
At 5:40 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2022, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in an unoccupied two-and-a-half storey multi-family residence in the 800 block of Banning Street.
Upon arrival on scene, crews found a well-involved fire with heavy smoke and flames coming from the structure. An offensive attack was initially launched, but due to deteriorating conditions, crews were forced to exit the building and transition to a defensive fire attack using aerial ladders and hand lines. The fire was declared under control at 9:31 a.m. Crews are expected to remain at the scene into the afternoon as they work to fully extinguish all hotspots.
Occupants of the neighbouring houses have been temporarily evacuated as a precaution. No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. No damage estimates are available at this time, but the structure suffered significant fire, smoke, and water damage, and is considered to be a complete loss.
Banning Street is closed to traffic between Notre Dame Avenue and Wellington Avenue. It will re-open once crews complete their work at the scene.
Lanark Street Fire
At 8:32 a.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2022, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a one-and-a-half storey, single-family home in the 200 block of Lanark Street.
When crews arrived at the scene, they found smoke coming from the house. An offensive attack was launched and the fire was declared under control at 8:47 a.m.
All occupants of the house safely self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews. No injuries were reported.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire was accidental, caused by unattended cooking. Residents are reminded of the following safety tips to reduce the risk of kitchen fires:
- Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains should be kept away from the stovetop.
- Oil should be heated slowly. If cooking oil catches fire and the fire is small and manageable, use a kitchen fire extinguisher or cover the top with a metal lid.
- Never use water to put out an oil fire.